Motorcycle culture is mostly dynamic, but it has some traditions that will never change. The nostalgia and appreciation for the person that first put you on a bike… everyone has that story, and they are often shared over more than a couple of beers. The South Carolina Biker Hall of Fame (SCBOF) honors that same spirit of respect, on a larger scale.
The SC Motorcycle Hall of Fame was founded by Bill Barber, in 2014. If that name sounds familiar, you may know that Bill also owns the most authentic biker bar at Myrtle Beach Bike Week…. the famous Suck Bang Blow. Will Counch, Emmitt Jones, Dickie Martin and Kirk Yedinak also comprise the council for the award. The SCBOF committee honors bikers for their contribution to the big picture. Nominees must be well known for their contributions to charity, racing, local or national motorcycle events, political activism, or skills in motorcycle fabrication. The 2016 inductees include, Greg “Edge” Scheuer, Bill Furr, Patty Nuth, Mike Lewis, and Pastor Joe Covino.
Unlike a senior prom, the SCBHOF does not count cool points. Every honoree has sincerely given back to the community. For Bill Barber, the mission is simple.
“We want to take a moment to honor the men and women that have dedicated their lives to riding Motorcycles.” said Barber. “We’re looking for the people that have made a positive impact on the South Carolina Biker Community and lived the biker lifestyle.”
Bill “The Southern Son” Furr from Orangeburg, SC, is a 16-time World Drag Racing Champion, and has also devoted part of his career to making tracks safer for his fellow rider.
“I’ve worked hard to make motorcycle drag racing safer. I make a living supplying parts to other race teams. My youngest brother died in a car crash. The coroner told me he would have survived the crash if he had been wearing a seat belt,” said Furr in an interview.
Greg “Edge” Scheuer has made the Smoke Out rally a powerful tool for creating support for charities and the motorcycle community. He has nurtured so many budding motorcycle craftsmen through the event, it would make Kickstarter.com cry. Charities like wheelchair basketball teams and the Christian Bikers Association, have been able to keep their mission going with help from the Smoke Out fans. Edge has also created one of the only events where bike builders can race down a professional dragstrip against any friend they desire. Whether it be charity, volunteering, or just plain sales donations, Edge and the Smoke Out fans have focused the powerful lens of the community for some great things. The Smoke Out rally has also been studied as a model, for events such as Born Free, and has directly inspired Harley Davidson engineers to create a line of blacked-out models for production.
Joe Covino, from Lugoff, SC is a member of the Rugged Cross Riders group, known for their Christian and charitable efforts, especially within the homeless community. He is also involved with a local prison outreach program to bring the Good Word in for some men who may need it the most. He uses the mobility and inspiration he gets from riding to inspire others.
There are two sides to every story, and the members of SCBHOF are the waves crashing against the mass media’s misrepresentation of motorcycle culture. Bill Barber and the council are assembling a team. This team represents the characteristics of hospitality, charity, and fun that riders really understand themselves to have.
The inductees are bar owners, fire marshalls, bike builders, promoters, and everything in between, all using their art in their own way. They are inducted into this award for making America a nicer place to ride a motorcycle, starting in South Carolina and working out. For them, the induction into the SCBHOF is just another beautiful beginning.
For information on the SC Biker Hall of Fame please visit their Facebook Page
The 2015 South Carolina Biker Hall of Fame awards will be held at Suck Bang Blow. All are welcome to the event this February 27th at 7pm at Murrels Inlet, SC.
3393 Hwy 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 29576
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